Search age:

Search in:

Popovic defends 'rotation policy'

Western Sydney skipper Michael Beauchamp admits Tony Popovic's constant changes have left him frustrated at times this season, and says he's given up trying to work out what's going on in the head of his highly-rated coach.

This is probably a good thing, considering Popovic himself admits he doesn't know what he's thinking most of the time either.

Popovic has yet to field the same starting 11 in consecutive games this season and come under fire for what's been termed as a "rotation policy".

But with his team appearing to be hitting their straps at just the right time ahead of the finals and sitting second on the ladder with no real risk players will be burnt out before they kick off their Asian Champions League campaign next month, it's hard to argue there isn't a method to the madness.

Advertisement

A permanent fixture in defence last season Beauchamp has been limited to just nine starts so far this campaign.

And he admits going from wearing the captain's armband in last year's grand final to lengthy stints on the sidelines has been difficult to take.

"It's too hard to try and get inside his (Popovic) head," Beauchamp said on Friday.

"We just go on to the training park and always give 100 per cent and when the final 11 gets announced you always know that the boys are ready for it.

"I'm just taking it as it comes, I could be out this week or next week.

"It's never easy to sit on the sidelines. I want to play every game.

"Things can change in the blink of an eye and you've just got to be ready for those times you get on the pitch."

Beauchamp has started the last three games with Matthew Spiranovic, who kept him out of the side, playing as a holding midfielder alongside Aaron Mooy.

The Wanderers displayed their most complete performance of the season to defeat Perth 3-1 in last week's A-League encounter.

But while the side may have made a good case for Popovic to field the same starting XI against Newcastle this week, the coach isn't making any promises.

And while the former Socceroo admits he's not even sure what choices he'll make from week to week, he insists he knows exactly what he's doing.

"Well I don't even know what's going on in my head so it might be a little bit difficult for the players," Popovic said.

"But there's a clear plan and a view and I know exactly the direction I want the team to go.

"You refer to changes as rotation, that's your decision to call it that way.

"But I have a clear view on how and what we're doing and I'm very comfortable with it."